We are so excited to announce the opening of the FAB Prize for undiscovered writers and illustrators from underrepresented backgrounds. The first of its kind in the UK, and now in its fifth year, the FAB Prize aims to discover and showcase new talent, closing the gap between what is currently published and the reality for many families. Aspiring authors and illustrators can now send in text or illustrations. The entries will be judged by Faber’s Publisher Leah Thaxton, Andlyn Literary Agent Davinia Andrew-Lynch, Faber Creative Director Donna Payne, Faber Children’s Art Director Emma Eldridge and guest judge Jasmine Richards, author, ex-publisher, screenwriter and founder of children’s fiction production company,
Storymix.

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Leah Thaxton, Publisher says: ‘This year I’m delighted to see Jasmine Richards join us as a guest judge; she has a wealth of publishing experience. We’ve hit a five-year anniversary and have loved celebrating so much talent through the years. 37 FAB alumni now have agents, many have book deals, so YES, we’re coming back for more.’

Jasmine Richards says: ‘Publishing as a whole is working hard to make the industry a more inclusive and equal space, which means offering equality of opportunity for all writers and illustrators. The FAB Prize gives a platform to talent, but it has also demonstrated tangible results in terms of book deals and agent representation for those creatives that have shared their work. I am delighted to be part of the judging panel and am excited to see what stories and characters we’ll get to discover this year.’

Our alumni have gone on to find representation and release amazing books that are rich in culture and colour. Last year’s winners and runners-up Mariesa Dulak, Ngadi Smart, Janelle McCurdy and Akhran Girmay are all to be published by Faber this year and next.

Mariesa Dulak, last year’s Text Winner says: ‘My luck changed when I applied for the 2020 FAB Prize. Since then, I’ve secured an agent, been offered a three-book deal by Faber and won the FAB Text Award with my picture book text There’s a Tiger on the Train. The FAB Prize offers underrepresented writers the chance to get their work in front of industry experts – grab your opportunity.’

We are proud to be supported by the BookTrust and the AOI who both offer opportunities to our entrants.